Toyota adds carbon fiber to cut weight, benefit consumers

Using carbon fiber SMC reinforced plastics in the Prius and Lexus, with its chopped fibers rather than long fibers in prepreg and other processes, represent a 40-50 % weight reduction and can improve package space in the Prius, even with additional room needed for batteries. The composite also allows Toyota to make narrower rear pillars, so drivers have an improved sight line.

Original source | Plasticnews